Court cancels hearing after Yameen fails to appear

The Criminal Court on Monday cancelled a scheduled hearing in the V. Aarah lease case, part of the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) corruption scandal, after former President Abdulla Yameen failed to appear.

The hearing was set for 2:30 p.m. but did not begin as Yameen was not present in court. According to the court, the session was cancelled due to his absence.

In a statement, the Criminal Court noted that leaving his place of residence without court permission while a hearing is scheduled could result in legal action.

“The hearing has been cancelled due to the absence of the accused. The accused’s failure to appear in court without a valid reason, and leaving the residence without the court’s permission while a case is scheduled, are actions punishable by law,” the court said.

Yameen had earlier announced that he would travel to HA. Dhidhdhoo on Monday to attend the ‘Thilauthuru Award’ ceremony as the chief guest. Reports indicate that he travelled to Dhidhdhoo at the invitation of the Atoll Council.

This marks Yameen’s first public visit outside Malé since the High Court overturned his 11-year prison sentence in the Aarah case, leading to his release.

The Criminal Court has been directed to re-examine the case, and hearings in the matter are ongoing.